Bill Gates has returned to lead an $85m round for satellite internet provider Kymeta, which has now raised more than $280m since it was set up to advance Duke University research.
Kymeta, a US-based satellite broadband provider exploiting foundational research from Duke University, secured $85m in a funding round led by entrepreneur Bill Gates yesterday.
The round also featured approximately $1m from members of Kymeta’s leadership team, including executive chairman Doug Hutcheson.
Founded in 2011, Kymeta has created an electronically steered flat-panel satellite antenna that facilitates broadband satellite connectivity in conjunction with cellular networks to ensure global coverage.
The technology is targeted at clients such as the military, industry and first responders. Kymeta also offers turnkey services to telecommunications firms through its Lepton Global Solutions unit, and the funding will be put into product development.
The company was incubated by commercialisation firm Intellectual Ventures to advance foundational research conducted by then-chief technology officer Nathan Kundtz, an adjunct assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Duke University.
Doug Hutcheson said: “As a company, we are just…
Thierry Heles
Thierry Heles is the editor of Global University Venturing, host of the Beyond the Breakthrough interview podcast and responsible for the monthly GUV Gazette (sign up here for free).
